Collaboration between academics and librarians in information literacy instruction at Aalto University following a decentralising restructure

Abstract

This study explored collaboration between academics and librarians in information literacy settings from the perspectives of information sharing and social networks based on a case study of Aalto University in Finland. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. Aalto University was selected as a salient case because its library organisation was decentrally restructured and embedded in institutional service sections in 2018. The data, mainly from interviews, were collected and analysed via thematic analysis. This study finds that academics and librarians collaborate indirectly. Mediated by study coordinators, key information and/or timetables are shared within online networks. Although the restructure of the library formed new ties outside the library, information on information literacy instruction is rarely shared. The library personnel reduction requires librarians to restrict their effort devoted to instructional services including information sharing. This study finds that organisational social networks with almost no cohesive ties between academics and librarians maintain collaboration for information literacy instruction based on occasional information sharing. Although the restructure of the library expanded its organisational horizons, the limited time and therefore effort available of librarians constrains substantial active information sharing for information literacy instruction.